CENAP Report - No 111

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr. 111
Date: 10./5/85 (May 10, 1985)
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, a UFO specialist journal, offers a comprehensive look into the organization's activities and the broader UFO phenomenon. It includes a detailed statistical analysis, a review of a significant book on UFOs, and reports on recent sightings.

Inside CENAP: A Look for Naive Ufologists

The cover story, prompted by high demand, provides an inside view of the CENAP office, humorously depicted as a 'UFO office for naive ufologists.' It includes a satirical flowchart for 'luck research' and a 'CENAP-STATISTICS 1985' chart, suggesting a behind-the-scenes look at how the organization processes information and categorizes cases, including a 'Black List' of other UFO organizations.

Video Corner: UFOs Over Stuttgart and CENAP Meeting '83

This section highlights two video productions available from Klaus Webner. The first, "IFO's über Stuttgart" (UFOs Over Stuttgart), documents Webner's 1979 filming of mysterious objects over Stuttgart, which he investigated and linked to the Aerological Station. The film reportedly focuses on weather balloons but aims to help UFO researchers identify phenomena. The second video covers the 3rd CENAP-UFO/UAP Convention in Mannheim in September 1983, which also marked '10 Years of UFO Research in Mannheim.' This three-minute film is available on VHS, Beta, or V 2000 cassettes for DM 95.00.

CENAP's Current UFO/UFO-Statistics '84: Ghost (UFO)--Busters?

Authored by Hansjürgen Köhler, this article reflects on the past year's UFO statistics, noting a lack of significant events and a perceived 'detour' by UFOs around Germany and Austria. Köhler discusses the re-evaluation of previously classified UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) cases, citing the Edingen incident (May 10, 1979) as an example that was later explained as a hot air balloon. He criticizes researchers who cling to 'hardcore' UFO explanations without considering simpler ones, attributing this to lack of knowledge and experience. Köhler emphasizes the need for a scientific approach, incorporating astronomy, meteorology, psychology, and sociology, and warns against 'wishful thinking' and 'rivalry' in UFO research. CENAP's statistical work is described as 'Ghost-Buster' activity due to the absence of new UAP cases, with 43 cases processed in the past year.

The accompanying statistical table shows a breakdown of reported cases by category for May 1984 (257 cases) and May 1985 (300 cases). The categories include balloons, aircraft, meteors, hoaxes, fireworks, and planets. The article notes a significant increase in meteor misinterpretations and highlights party-gag hot air balloons and terrestrial aircraft as common misidentifications. It also mentions a concerning rise in 'swindle' cases. The statistics indicate that while the total number of cases increased, the number of UAP cases decreased from seven to six.

UFO-Book: The Impossible Truth?

This section reviews the book "UFO's - Die unmögliche Wahrheit?" (UFOs - The Impossible Truth?), edited by Matthias Engelhardt, which compiles scientific perspectives on UFOs. The review notes that the foreword by Prof. Dr. Hermann Oberth admits he has never seen anything that couldn't be explained by known causes. The book aims to counter the media's portrayal of UFO researchers as neurotics and psychopaths. Contributors include Illo Brand, who discusses UFOs as a real problem, and Dr. Allen J. Hynek, who presents his 'stereotypes about UFOs.' The review highlights Matthias Engelhardt's own chapter, 'The Psychological Background of the UFO Problem,' as particularly valuable. Engelhardt, a psychotherapist, delves into topics such as sexuality, archetypes, existential anxiety, mass psychology, the reliability of witness testimony, and the problem of non-contact. While acknowledging the possibility of UFOs, Engelhardt suggests that natural explanations are currently more probable, though not highly likely. The book also includes contributions from Dr. Frank B. Salisbury on the challenges of obtaining objective UFO data and the issue of fraud. A 'photo documentation' by Anny Baguhn is mentioned, which the reviewer suggests might be used to devalue UFO claims by focusing on mundane phenomena like aircraft lights and reflections. The book is recommended as a valuable resource for those seeking informed perspectives outside of typical UFO circles, aiming to present the UFO topic with less fanaticism.

Bureau de Liaison de la CENAP pour les Pays Francophone d'Europe: INFO-CEPS IM C.R.!

This section, edited by Gilbert Schmitz, reports on a sighting from 'LE PARISIEN' dated February 5, 1985. It details an incident where two French gendarmes and three customs officers observed a strange object over the French-Spanish border on Saturday, February 2, 1985, around 11 PM. The object was described as round, with red and green lights, and hovered silently for approximately half an hour before moving east-northeast and then disappearing. The gendarmerie has opened an investigation. The article dismisses collective hallucination, aircraft, and helicopters as explanations due to the object's prolonged stationary behavior. It also briefly considers and dismisses balloons and smuggling as likely explanations, concluding that the phenomenon will likely join the list of unsolved celestial mysteries.

Another report from 'LE PARISIEN' dated February 6, 1985, describes a similar sighting in Colombes (Haute-de-Seine) on Monday evening, where five people, including a café owner and his neighbors, observed a luminous, oval object with orange and green colors for about three-quarters of an hour. The object appeared to be at a low altitude and moved away, disappearing as a small black dot. The witnesses immediately contacted the Meudon Observatory.

Finally, a brief report mentions UFO encounters in the USSR, where pilots and passengers on an Aeroflot flight from Tbilisi to Tallinn witnessed a bright, luminous object that emitted a cone of light and then approached the aircraft at light speed, accompanied by a green cloud. The object then positioned itself behind the plane at an altitude of ten thousand meters. Soviet authorities are taking the report seriously and have launched an investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the statistical analysis of UFO phenomena, the critical evaluation of evidence, and the debunking of misidentifications. CENAP appears to adopt a rigorous, data-driven approach, aiming to separate genuine unexplained phenomena (UAP) from misinterpretations, natural events, and hoaxes. The editorial stance is one of cautious skepticism, emphasizing the need for scientific methodology and discouraging fanaticism. The review of Engelhardt's book further reinforces this by exploring the psychological factors that influence UFO beliefs and reports. The inclusion of international sightings (France, USSR) suggests a global perspective on UFO research, while the focus on statistical categorization highlights CENAP's commitment to systematic investigation.

This issue of LE PARISIEN from Wednesday, February 6, 1985, features a prominent cover story detailing a UFO sighting in Colombes, France. The magazine also includes articles discussing the Tunguska event, media portrayals of UFO phenomena, and the broader implications of potential extraterrestrial contact.

UFO Sighting in Colombes

The main cover story, "Cinq personnes ont observé ce phénomène dans le ciel de Colombes" (Five people observed this phenomenon in the sky of Colombes), reports on an incident that occurred on a Monday evening. M. Frédéric, a café owner on Rue Henri-Dunan, testified that while closing his garage, he initially thought the object was an airplane. However, it remained stationary. He fetched his wife and binoculars, and then alerted his neighbors, M. and Mme Lemoine, who came down to the courtyard with their two daughters, Valérie and Florence. The witnesses observed a luminous oval shape in the starry sky, with an orange center and a green perimeter, hovering without moving for approximately three-quarters of an hour. They described the experience as impressive and strange, making them feel a sense of unease. The object eventually disappeared without a trace.

The Tunguska Event: Comet or Spacecraft?

An extensive article, likely a continuation from a previous issue or a separate segment, delves into the Tunguska catastrophe of June 30, 1908. The piece discusses a TV broadcast on the topic, featuring author Freiherr Johannes von Buttlar, who proposed the theory of a crashed extraterrestrial spacecraft causing a nuclear explosion. The article critically examines this theory, presenting alternative explanations such as a comet impact. It notes that scientists generally dismiss the extraterrestrial spacecraft theory, and even Buttlar reportedly conceded that only the comet hypothesis and the spacecraft hypothesis remained plausible. The author argues that there is no proof of extraterrestrial spacecraft, attributing most sightings to natural phenomena, psychological issues, or hoaxes. The article references historical cases like Premon (France, 1954) and Dewilde in Quarouble (France, 1954) as examples of complex cases. It posits that on June 30, 1908, Comet Encke intersected Earth's orbit, and a fragment of this comet likely caused the Tunguska event. The article details the scientific investigation by Leonid A. Kulik in 1927, who found no meteorite or impact crater but did discover small particles of extraterrestrial matter, including silicates and magnetite, similar to samples brought back from the Moon. The author highlights that the temperatures involved in such an event (around 1600 degrees Celsius) are consistent with meteor impacts and that no spacecraft debris was found at Tunguska, further undermining the spacecraft theory. The article also mentions genetic anomalies in trees at Tunguska, suggesting a nuclear explosion, and cites astronomers Whipple and Astapowitsch who concluded it was a comet. The intense plasma and gamma radiation from a comet's atmospheric entry are discussed as potential causes.

Media and UFOs: "Unglaubliche Geschichten"

A section titled "«UNGLAUBLICHE GESCHICHTEN»?" (Unbelievable Stories?) expresses frustration with sensationalist media coverage of UFOs. The author criticizes the commercial TV channel RTL plus and its show "Unglaubliche Geschichten" for presenting "humbug and misinformation." The author questions whether this misinformation is intentional or unintentional. The article suggests that the show's focus on sensationalism, rather than factual reporting, is typical of entertainment programming.

Scientific Explanations and Skepticism

Another article, "Keine Sternschnuppe" (No Shooting Star), published in DIE WELT on March 28, 1985, reports on a fireball observed over the southeastern United States. Experts from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) were unable to explain the phenomenon, described by witnesses as larger and brighter than a shooting star. While some speculated it was a meteor entering the atmosphere, the lack of definitive explanation left authorities puzzled. The article "Der Glaube an Naturrätsel – Ausdruck der Urangst" (Belief in Natural Mysteries – Expression of Primal Fear) by A. Bärwolf, discusses how many unidentified flying objects are actually natural phenomena like meteors, comets, or planets. It notes that the US Air Force's Project Bluebook investigated over 12,000 UFO sightings between 1948 and 1969, concluding that most could be explained by conventional means, atmospheric phenomena (like St. Elms fire), or even hoaxes. The article suggests that the human tendency to believe in the unknown, especially when confronted with phenomena beyond current understanding, stems from primal fear. It mentions that even former US President Jimmy Carter was once baffled by such a sighting.

Heinrich Ragaz and UFO Information

A profile of Heinrich Ragaz, a former editor of the UFO journal "Weltraumbote" (Space Messenger), highlights his long-standing involvement in the German UFO scene. Ragaz is described as an honest and critical investigator who distinguished himself from 'contactees' like Adamski. The article presents Ragaz's views on UFOs, stating that they are the world's best-kept secret, with the US leading a global effort to maintain silence. However, Ragaz notes a recent shift towards greater openness. He asserts that UFOs have been sighted over 100,000 times worldwide, with numerous photos and films existing. He claims that UFOs can perform spectacular maneuvers, move underwater, and have capabilities that suggest mastery over gravity and unknown energy sources, implying they are not of earthly origin. Ragaz also touches upon the timing of UFO appearances, noting their increased presence after the first atomic bomb explosion, suggesting a connection or a warning from extraterrestrial visitors. He discusses the psychological impact of UFO encounters and the skepticism faced by witnesses, particularly those who do not fit the 'normal' profile. Ragaz emphasizes that while many believe in intelligent life elsewhere, they doubt visitation, or only accept it if the object remains at a distance. He acknowledges that confronting beings potentially far superior to human science can be unsettling.

Metaphysics and UFOs

Further articles explore the nature of UFOs and their implications. One piece suggests that UFOs represent a science and technology far beyond our current understanding, possibly related to metaphysics or a higher physics. It posits that to comprehend UFOs, one must think in higher dimensions. The article describes UFOs as typically round, capable of neutralizing gravity, and possessing advanced propulsion systems. It draws parallels to ancient myths and legends, such as the 'tarnkappe' (invisibility cloak) and shape-shifting, suggesting that matter itself is not as solid as commonly believed but composed of atoms whose structure can be altered. The author quotes Augustine: "Miracles are nothing supernatural, but processes whose laws are unknown to us today." The article concludes by stating that UFOs lead us to higher levels of thought and confront us with the supernatural. It warns that humanity's moral and spiritual progress has not kept pace with technological advancement, leading to the danger of self-destruction. The implication is that extraterrestrial visitors may be offering advanced technology as a warning or a means to prevent our demise.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently touches upon the theme of unexplained aerial phenomena, ranging from specific sightings like the one in Colombes to historical events like Tunguska. There is a clear skepticism towards sensationalist media portrayals, particularly exemplified by the critique of "Unglaubliche Geschichten." The magazine presents arguments supporting the extraterrestrial hypothesis, citing witness testimonies, advanced capabilities of observed objects, and potential government cover-ups. However, it also includes perspectives that favor natural explanations or scientific skepticism, such as the analysis of the US Air Force's Project Bluebook and the discussion of meteors and atmospheric phenomena. The underlying tone suggests an open-minded but critical approach to UFO reports, encouraging readers to consider various explanations while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many sightings. The articles also highlight the psychological and societal impact of these phenomena, linking them to primal fears and the human quest for understanding the unknown.

This issue of MYSTERIA, dated 1/85, is primarily focused on debunking the "Chronicle of Akakor" and presenting a series of UFO sightings from 1952, particularly in Africa and Spain. The magazine features articles by Ingo Runde, Werner Walter, and Fritz Sitte, drawing information from various newspapers, CIA reports, and existing literature.

The Finding: The Chronicle of Akakor is Forged!

This lengthy article by Ingo Runde, with contributions from Ralf Sonnenberg, systematically dismantles the authenticity of the "Chronicle of Akakor" and its purported author, Tatunka Nara. The authors point out numerous inconsistencies and questionable claims within Nara's narrative, which was popularized by Karl Brugger's book "Aufbruch der Götter." They argue that Nara, presented as a mestizo with limited education, was in fact fluent in German and had spent his youth in Germany, contradicting his supposed background. Evidence suggests Nara drew heavily from existing literature, including the Bible, "Popol Vuh," "Mahabharata," and works on fringe science and South American myths. Specific parallels are drawn between Nara's account and the biblical story of Solomon's voyages to Ophir, as well as James Churchward's "The children of Mu." The article concludes that Nara was a fabricator, and Karl Brugger, perhaps unwittingly, embellished the story.

Key Points of the Akakor Investigation:

• Tatunka Nara's Background: Contrary to claims of being a mestizo with little education, Nara spoke fluent German and had lived in Germany for a significant period.
• Literary Sources: Nara's narrative appears to incorporate elements from the Bible (Ophir, Solomon), South American myths (creation of the Amazon), and fringe science literature (e.g., James Churchward's "The children of Mu").
• Similarities to Myths: The article highlights a myth about the sun and moon creating the great river (Amazon) as being strikingly similar to elements within the Chronicle.
• Karl Brugger's Role: Brugger is suggested to have supported Nara's story, possibly adding his own embellishments.
• Rüdiger Nehberg's Testimony: Investigator Rüdiger Nehberg confirmed Nara's fluency in German and his extensive knowledge, further undermining Nara's claimed background.

UFO Sightings in Africa and Spain (1952)

This section compiles several UFO reports from 1952, largely based on CIA documents and newspaper articles from the era. The reports cover a range of phenomena observed in North Africa and Spain.

"Flying Saucers in Spain and North Africa" (CIA Report CO-W-23759)

This report, compiled from daily newspapers and dated May-June 1952, details several sightings:

• Barcelona, Spain (May 21, 1952): An object flying at high speed from Prat Airport, leaving a wide smoke trail. It was not identified as an aircraft, and local airports had no knowledge of it. It moved in a straight line without flashes.
• Meknes, Morocco (June 7, 1952): Two witnesses reported a bright spot moving at "lightning speed," faster than a T-33 training aircraft. It left a white smoke trail and made a circular path before disappearing.
• Taourirt, French Morocco (June 15, 1952): Dock workers saw a disc of white flames surrounded by two circular strands, leaving a smoke trail. The object appeared to move earthward before vanishing rapidly.
• Casablanca, French Morocco (June 15, 1952): A flying saucer was observed by former pilot Andre Assorin. The meteorological office reported no unusual phenomena.

Other UFO Reports:

• Almansa, Spain (April 21, 1952): A series of four glowing, reddish-yellow spheres moved across the sky at high speed and altitude, disappearing after about a minute. No sound was heard.
• Port Gentil, French Equatorial Africa (June 1, 1952): A mysterious object approached from behind the port, increasing its speed and leaving a double trail.
• Sousse, Tunisia (June 3, 1952): An object moved at high speed from west to east, emitting a dull green light.

"Study on 1952: Flying Saucers in Africa" by Werner Walter

This article continues a series on UFO waves, focusing on Africa in 1952. It highlights increased UFO activity, particularly in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. The CIA collected information on these events.

• Belgian Congo (near Elisabethville): Two fiery discs were sighted over uranium mines. They moved in elegant curves, changed positions, and then flew in a zick-zack pattern. Commander Pierre pursued one of the discs in a fighter jet, estimating its diameter at 12-15 meters. The object had a central core and rotating rim with jets. Its speed was estimated at over 1,500 km/h. The report notes the difficulty of a human pilot surviving such speeds.
• Sketch of a Flying Saucer: The issue includes a diagram illustrating the construction principle of a flying saucer, based on pilot reports and secret research findings, originating from CIA report Nr.00-W-23602.

"Mysterious Electrical Phenomena in the Land of Volcanoes"

This section, referencing an article from LE REPUBLICAIN LORRAIN (March 13, 1985), reports unusual electrical phenomena near Brioude, France, occurring amidst old volcanoes. Two cows were killed by lightning, and a third was injured. Simultaneously, electric meters in nearby villages malfunctioned, and telephones rang without cause. The EDF (Electricité de France) could not provide a logical explanation, referring to it as a "phenomenon." Local residents expressed unease regarding the nearby volcanoes (Popie, Boullergue, Montgivroux).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions the veracity of extraordinary claims, particularly concerning the "Chronicle of Akakor." The editorial stance appears to favor skepticism towards sensationalist accounts, emphasizing the need for evidence and critical analysis. The inclusion of CIA reports suggests an interest in official investigations into UFO phenomena, while the debunking of the Akakor story indicates a commitment to uncovering potential hoaxes within the UFO and fringe science communities. The magazine aims to provide a balanced, albeit critical, perspective on these topics.

This issue of UFO Nachrichten, dated July 1952, primarily focuses on a series of unidentified flying object (UFO) and flying saucer sightings reported across various locations, with a significant concentration in Africa and Spain. The magazine also includes a detailed report on an incident in East Germany that was investigated by intelligence agencies.

Sightings in Africa and Spain

The issue documents numerous encounters from June and July 1952. On June 1, 1952, a ship's captain and first mate near Port Gentil, Gabon, observed a bright, phosphorescent, orange, round object moving at high speed and altitude, which they could not identify.

In July 1952, several sightings were reported:

• July 3, 1952: A technical director in Dakar, Senegal, saw a fiery object with a reddish-blue light trail moving east at high speed, estimated to be 1,500 meters high. On the same day, a mechanic in Oran, Algeria, observed a silver disk moving slowly and spinning rapidly before disappearing over the sea.
• July 12, 1952: Two police officers in Had Kourt, Morocco, witnessed two elongated flying saucers with white light trails moving from north to south at high speed.
• July 13, 1952: Two residents in Fedala, Morocco, reported a blue-green, ball-shaped object with a short light trail that disappeared quickly.
• July 15, 1952: In Boukanefis, Algeria, two bakers saw a flat, agile flying object with a greenish trail that illuminated the sky.
• July 17, 1952: A factory foreman in Oran, Algeria, reported a white, glowing mass moving southwest at over 2,000 meters altitude, which became hazy and vanished.
• July 26, 1952: In Oran, Algeria, three women observed a large, orange-red, luminous spot moving east to west. On the same day, reports from the Oran department indicated frequent sightings of flying saucers.
• July 30, 1952: Many residents in Andujar, Spain, saw a red, round object, approximately the size of a desert dish, flying noiselessly at high speed with a bright greenish light trail.

Other reports from July include sightings near Casablanca, Morocco, and various locations within Algeria, such as Mostaganem, Ain Teledes, Frenda, Tlemcen, Oued Taria, Algier, Lodi, Saint Du Sig, and Le Tlelat, detailing objects described as luminous, disk-shaped, cigar-shaped, or egg-shaped, with varying speeds, altitudes, and light trails.

East German Incident and Intelligence Investigation

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an incident in the Soviet Zone of Germany, reported by Oscar Linke, a 48-year-old German and former mayor of Gleimershausen. Linke, who had recently escaped from the Soviet Zone with his family, provided a sworn statement about an object that landed in a forest clearing. He described it as resembling a "huge flying pan" with a diameter of 13 to 15 meters. He and his 11-year-old daughter, Gabrielle, observed two men in shiny metallic suits near the object. The object had a black, conical tower on top and rows of holes around its periphery. The men entered the tower, and the object then lifted off, rotated, and disappeared. Linke initially suspected it might be a new Soviet military machine.

This report was classified as an "UNBEWERTETE INFORMATION" (Unevaluated Information) by the CIA, likely with the intention of learning more about potential Soviet technological developments. The case of Oscar Linke is noted as being of particular interest for future discussion.

Analysis and Explanations

The magazine suggests that many of the African UFO sightings from spring to late July 1952 could be logically explained as meteoric phenomena, high-altitude jet aircraft with condensation trails, or meteorological balloons. However, the case of Oscar Linke in East Germany is presented as distinct and not fitting into this category, requiring separate consideration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings in the summer of 1952, the variety of descriptions provided by witnesses, and the initial attempts by intelligence agencies to investigate and categorize these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these events while also seeking rational explanations where possible, though acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding some cases, particularly the East German incident.